Burst water main floods Bathgate homes

FIREFIGHTERS are battling to save properties after a burst water main caused severe flooding in Bathgate.

They were alerted at 8.23am this morning to reports of flooding at a large number of properties at the town’s Meikle Inch Lane.

Crews said 17 properties have been affected, with the incident still ongoing.

Police have closed both Leyland Road and Meikle Inch Lane.

Teams from Bathgate and Livingston fire stations rushed to the scene at 8.29am and quickly ensured residents were safe before dealing directly with the water.

They have been diverting flood water into a nearby river.

Emergency services teams at the scene of the flooding. Picture: Shaun Milne

Specialist trained water rescue crews are involved and are using sand bags to protect the properties, as well as using a high volume pump to help bring water levels down.

Group Manager Alan Horberry said: “We are working closely with Scottish Water, West Lothian Council and Police Scotland to ensure public safety throughout this incident.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in West Lothian responded to Mosside Terrace in Bathgate at around 8.20 a.m. on Wednesday 24th February after a ruptured water main resulted in extensive flooding within the street.

“Several households have been affected and local officers continue to work alongside colleagues from West Lothian Council, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Water to evacuate residents and stop the flooding.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area during this multi-agency operation.”